"Well, Metcalf, suppose you try keeping that stupid mouth of yours shut,and maybe that's the way you learn how. Now where were we? Read me back the last line." "'Read me back the last line,'" read back the corporal who could take shorthand. "Not my last line, stupid!" the colonel shouted. "Somebody else's." "'Read me back the last line,'" read back the corporal. "That's my last line again!" shrieked the colonel, turning purple with anger. "Oh, no, sir," corrected the corporal. "That's my last line. I read it to you just a moment ago. Don't you remember, sir? It was only a moment ago." "Oh, my God! Read me back his last line, stupid. Say, what the hell's your name, anyway?" "Popinjay, sir." "Well, you're next, Popinjay. As soon as this trial ends, your trial begins. Get it?" "Yes, sir. What will he be charged with?" "What the hell difference does that make? Did you hear what he asked me? You're going to learn, Popinjay - the minute we finish with Clevinger you're going to learn. Cadet Clevinger, what did - You are Cadet Clevinger, aren't you, and not Popinjay?" "Yes, sir." "Good. What did-" "I'm Popinjay, sir." "Popinjay. Is your father a millionaire, or a member of the Senate?" "No, sir." "Then you're up shit creek, Popinjay, without a paddle.He's not a general or a high-ranking member of the Administration, is he?" "No, sir." "That's good. What does your father do?" "He's dead, sir."